Suitability of Grey-water Treated with Common Reed in Constructed Wetland for Irrigation Purposes in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Effective grey-water management plays a crucial role in promoting environmentally sustainable practices. This research focuses on assessing the suitability of grey-water treated with common reed for irrigation purposes in Akure, Nigeria. Grey-water samples were sourced from a university hostel and subjected to treatment through a Constructed Wetland (CW) system, which was planted with common reed (Phragmites australis). The study spanned a three-year period (2016-2018), during which both the physico-chemical and microbial parameters of the raw and treated grey-water were evaluated before and after treatment. The findings revealed notable reductions in the treated grey-water’s physico-chemical and microbial characteristics, thereby indicating the effectiveness of the treatment process. Additionally, the levels of heavy metals in the treated grey-water were significantly reduced, meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for safe use in irrigation. The study highlights the potential of common reed-based constructed wetlands to effectively remove contaminants from grey-water, underscoring their viability as a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for grey-water treatment in Akure, Nigeria, and similar regions. The study also concludes that common reed-treated grey-water can be a viable alternative for irrigation in agricultural settings, contributing to sustainable water management practices in areas like Akure. Consequently, the treated grey-water from this system is deemed safe and suitable for agricultural use, aligning with guidelines for wastewater reuse in irrigation.